Game Over

Investigation

Are these her fans? Marima's voice dripped with disgust. They're nothing but obsessed stalkers.

Chompu nodded, her jaw clenched. They treated me the same way... and for what? Just because we were close?

Despite their thorough search, they found nothing useful. Alright, let's head to Engfa's place, Tina directed, already heading towards the door.

At Engfa's apartment, the threats were even more menacing. Some demanded money in exchange for Char and Engfa's safety, while others threatened their families. Did she tell any of you about this? Heidi asked, her voice tight with worry.

No, Tina sighed, rubbing her temples. You know how P'Fa is. She'd rather carry the weight alone than let us worry.

As they continued searching, Nudee, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, pulled out a folder labeled Investigation. Her eyes widened as she skimmed through the pages. Guys, look at this.

Inside, they found evidence of an ongoing investigation into fans who had been stalking Charlotte, even following her home. I knew she'd do something to protect Char, Marima whispered, admiration flickering in her eyes. She even hired security to watch Char from a distance.

Nudee flipped through more pages, her fingers trembling. There's a name and number for the guy she hired. Fa wouldn't have let anyone follow Char without warning her first. Char must've known.

Tina dialed the number immediately, but it went straight to voicemail. Hi, this is Tina Wigg. I'm calling about Charlotte Austin. It's extremely important. Please call me back. She hung up, her face clouded with frustration.

Hey, there's something else, Marima called out, holding up another folder marked TN. Her eyes scanned the text before reading aloud, After the events of September 2022, a restraining order has been placed against Tina Suppanad. Ms. Suppanad is prohibited from being within 50 feet of Ms. Engfa Waraha and Ms. Charlotte Austin or their families. Violation of this order would result in a minimum two-year prison sentence.

A stunned silence filled the room. Did any of you know about this? Heidi's voice was barely above a whisper.

They all shook their heads. Maybe Nawat knew, Heidi speculated, her brows furrowed in confusion.

Before they could process this revelation, the phone on Engfa's desk rang, its shrill tone cutting through the tension. They stared at each other, hesitating. We should answer it, Faye finally said. It might be the kidnappers.

Nudee quickly set her phone to record as Faye picked up. Hello? Who is this? Her heart raced until she heard the voice on the other end. Oh, Mr. Maurer... No, P'Fa isn't here right now. Huh... what do you mean you saw her yesterday? Where? Faye's face went pale. Can you come to MGT headquarters? We'll explain everything there... Thank you. She hung up, turning to the group. Mario saw them yesterday. He might know where Fa and Char are. Let's go.

Mario looked just as confused as they were. Woah, hold on. What do you mean they were kidnapped? I saw them yesterday. We filmed a movie scene together.

What movie? Nudee demanded, shoving a news report in his face. They've been missing for two weeks, Maurer.

His eyes widened as he read the headline. No... That can't be right. Tina Suppanad hired me for a secret movie project. She told me to keep it under wraps. I... I thought it was just another acting gig.

Pichy grabbed him by the collar, her face twisted in anger. You saw that bitch? And you didn't think to ask questions?

Mario raised his hands in surrender. I swear, I didn't know! She said it was all part of an experimental film. I didn't realize they were actually missing. I'm so sorry.

Tina stepped forward, her expression solemn. Mr. Maurer, this is serious. There's a restraining order against Tina Suppanad. Fa and Char have been trapped somewhere...

Mario's face went pale. Huh? Trapped? What do you mean?

In a game, Tina admitted, her voice low. It sounds insane, but we believe they're trapped in some kind of virtual world. And now that we know they were with Tina... this is far more dangerous than we thought. Can you take us to where you saw them?

Mario nodded, his shoulders sagging with guilt. I can't believe I helped her... I'll take you there. Whatever it takes to bring them back.

But by the time they arrived with the police, the place was deserted. Not a single trace of Fa and Char remained. Every piece of equipment, every sign of life had been wiped clean.

Thanks to Mario's testimony, the case was officially reclassified from a disappearance to a kidnapping. News of Tina Suppanad's involvement exploded across every channel, from national broadcasts to radio stations. The world was now watching, waiting for answers.

Tina Suppanad watched it all unfold on her phone screen, a smug smile curving on her lips. Everything was going according to plan. Perfect, she whispered, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the table. Just perfect.